Gas prices are on the rise again in Wisconsin, but it’s most likely not the result of an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The statewide average for regular unleaded fuel is about $2.93 a gallon right now. Beth Mosher with AAA Wisconsin says that’s up about four-cents in the past week, and we’re probably getting close to passing the $3 mark.
Gas prices usually trend upwards this time of year anyway, because of increased demand from travelers and the switch in many areas to more expensive summer blends of fuel.
Mosher says the oil spill off the coast doesn’t appear to be impacting prices in the Midwest yet. She says a lot of it will depend on where that oil was headed in the supply chain, and Wisconsin could avoid a price hike if we get our fuel from elsewhere. She says the spill may not have the same effect as something like a refinery fire, which usually leads to an almost immediate increase in prices.
However, Mosher warns we’re not out of the woods yet and prices could still see a bump because of the spill in the coming weeks.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:07)